Queen offers sympathies to bushfire victims

The Queen has sent a message of condolence to the families of those who have died in the Victoria bushfires.

The Queen said she was shocked and saddened to learn of the terrible toll being exacted by the fires.

In a written statement, she sent her heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who have died and deep sympathy to the many who had lost their homes.

She wanted also to convey her admiration for the work of Australian firefighters and emergency services for what she called their extraordinary efforts.

The Queen's comments came after a phone call by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd.

Mr Brown told Mr Rudd the United Kingdom was ready to help should that be required.

"The Prime Minister spoke to Kevin Rudd this morning to extend our sympathies to the Australian people, especially those families who have been affected by this tragedy," a spokesman for Mr Brown said.

"He praised Kevin Rudd's leadership at this very difficult time, and said that the United Kingdom stood ready to provide any assistance that the Australian Government wanted."

'Extraordinary courage'

Britain's High Commissioner to Australia, Helen Liddell, has told the BBC this a day that she will never forget.

"For those of us looking at it as Brits looking in on Australia, you see the extraordinary courage of the Australian firefighters, many of whom are volunteers. But this is a day that Australia will never forget, and I know that I will never forget.

Ms Liddell says Britain's thoughts are with the Australian people during this disaster.

"At a time like this, we recognise that we are family," she said.

"There are 1.5 million people in Australia who are entitled to carry a British passport.

"So our sympathies are with the Australian people. And if there's anything that we can do to help at all, we stand ready to do it."